Tubular construction arrangement

ABSTRACT

A tubular construction arrangement in which the open ends of at least two elongated tubular members are closed by cup-shaped members having flange portions overlying and abutting against radial endfaces of the tubular members. A pair of opposite axially extending portions of an alignment and spacing member are respectively fitted into the cup-shaped members closing adjacent ends of the tubular members to substantially align the latter, and the alignment and spacing member has a central radial enlargement which is sandwiched between the flange portions of the cup-shaped members. An insulating jacket surrounds the tubular members, the flange portions of the cup-shaped members and the enlargement of the alignment and spacing member.

United States Patent 1 Lachenmayer [54] TUBULAR CONSTRUCTION ARRANGEMENTInventor: Wilhelm Lachenmayer, Berlebeck,

Germany Benteler-Werke AG, Krs. Paderborn, Schloss, Neuhaus, GermanyFiled: Feb. 14, 1972 Appl. No.: 226,006

Related US. Application Data Division of Ser. No. 865,283, Oct. 10, 1969[73] Assignee:

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Nov. 26, 1968 Germany ..P 18 10957.4

[52] US. Cl ..138/l03, 138/96 R, 285/331,

Int. Cl ..F16l 55/00 Field of Search ..285/371, 398, 331,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3/1936 Parker ..285/331 [451 Apr.10,1973

6/1965 Press et a1. ..285/398 Primary ExaminerDave W. ArolaAttorney-Michael S. Striker [57] ABSTRACT A tubular constructionarrangement in which the open ends of at least two elongated tubularmembers are closed by cup-shaped members having flange portionsoverlying and abutting against radial endfaces of the tubular members. Apair of opposite axially extending portions of an alignment and spacingmember are respectively fitted into the cup-shaped members closingadjacent ends of the tubular members to substan- 10 Claims, 3 DrawingFigures TUBULAR CONSTRUCTION ARRANGEMENT CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATEDAPPLICATIONS The present application is a divisional application of thecopending application Ser. No. 865,283, filed Oct. 10, 1969.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION mosphere by means of stoppers plugged intothe open ends of the tubular member.

Such conventional stoppers, however,have the disadvantage that theyinsufficiently protect the respective end sections of the tubular memberagainst physical damage, for example during storage and transportationthereof, and that they are too easily disconnectable from these endsections and are lost, for example during mechanical lifting of thetubular member at thev plugged ends thereof, with the result that theinterior of the metal tubular member then is subjected to corrosion dueto atmospheric influences.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is toovercome the above disadvantages and to provide a tubularconrespectively overlying the radial endfaces of the two tubular membersand being axially spaced from each other. The arrangement comprisesfurther an alignment and spacing member having a pair of oppositeaxially extending portions respectively fitted into the cupshaped insertmeans and a radially extending enlargment between the aforementionedopposite portions and substantially filling the space between theannular portions of the two insert means, and jacket means surroundingthe tubular members, the annular portions of the insert means and theenlargement of the alignment in spacing member.

The novel features which are considered characteristic for the inventionare set forth in particular in the appended claims. The inventionitself, however, both as to its method of operation, together withadditional objects and advantages, will be .best understood from thefollowing description of specific embodiments when read in connectionwith the accompanying draw- BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIG. 1 inpart, shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of opposing end portionsof a pair of elongated tubular members, and illustrates the manner ofmanufacturing a plug construction for tubular members in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a part cross-sectional view of the end portion of a tubularmember provided with a plug construction according to FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3, in part, shows a cross-sectional view of the sealing connectionbetween the plug construction of FIG. 1 and an insulating jacketsurrounding the tubular members of FIGS. 1 and 2.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now to the drawings inwhich like reference numerals index like parts, and with attentioninitially directed to FIG. 1, a pair of axially aligned elongatedtubular members 1 and 2, made of metal, such as steel, and for examplecontinuously made, such as by drawing or any other conventional manner,are seen to comprise opposing end portions 3 and 4 each having a radialend face 5 and 6.

Pressed into the respective end portions 3 and 4 are identicalsubstantially cup-shaped hollow plugs 7, made of a corrosion-resistantmaterial, such as synthetic plastic. The plugs 7 are axially aligned inthe direction of elongation of the tubular members 1 and 2, and eachincludes an open end with a circumferential flange portion 8 whichsurrounds the open end, a circumferential wall 9, and a bottom or endwall 10.

The flange portions 8 overlie the radial end faces 5 and 6 in abuttingengagement and have an outer diameter which is substantially equal tothe outer diameter of the tubular members 1 and 2.

The inner surfaces of the circumferential walls 9 are symmetricallyconically tapered in direction toward the end walls 10 and are seen tobe of a thickness considerably larger than the thickness of the endwalls 10 which, preferably, are slightly tapered or curved in directionaway from the open ends of the plugs.

In direction towards the end walls 10 and away from the open ends of theplugs, the outer surfaces of the circumferential wall 9 are slightlyinwardly bent so as to facilitate insertion of the plugs into therespective open ends.

interconnecting the tubular members 1 and 2, and pressed into therespective hollow interiors of the plugs 7, are opposite arms 11 and 12of a symmetrical alignment and spacing member, generally indicated at13. Intermediate the opposite arms ill and 12 of the alignment andspacing member 13, is an annular circumferential enlargement 14 havingside walls 15 in direction of which the tubular members I and 2 areaxially moved till the flange portions 8 firmly abut against these sidewalls and are spaced from each other by a width corresponding to thewidth of the enlargement l4.

The arms 11 and 12 have circumferential walls 29 and end walls 30. Asshown, the circumferential walls 29 are conically tapered to a degreesubstantially corresponding to the conicity of the inner surfaces of theplugs 7. However, towards the end walls 30, the arms 11 and 12 are moreacutely tapered than the remainder of the circumferential wall so as tofacilitate insertion of the arms into the respective plugs.

Due to their corresponding conicity, the arms 11 and 12 firmly press theadjoining wall portions of the plugs 7 against adjacent wall portions ofthe inner surfaces of the tubular members 1 and 2.

The enlargement 14 along its outer circumference, is arranged with asubstantially inwardly curved groove 16 which arcuately extends acrosssubstantially the entire width of this outer circumference and forms aconstriction in the same.

Flanking the groove 16 at opposite sides thereof, are additionalcircumferential grooves 17 and 18 which extend radially inwardly and areformed upon abutting engagement of the flange portions 8 with theirrespective side wall of the enlargement 14 and are defined by the spacein between the apices of the sloping ridges 19 and 20, which bound thewidth of the groove 16, and adjoining opposite portions of the outercircumference of the circumferential flange portions 8, as shown in thedrawings.

The circumferential grooves 17 and 18 are shown as having asubstantially triangular configuration, however, it will be understoodthat these grooves may have any other suitable shape.

The tubular members 1 and 2 thus closed by the plugs 7 and axiallyaligned and spaced with respect to each other by the alignment andspacing member 13, are then provided with an heat-and-sound insulatingjacket 21 which preferably consists of a layer of synthetic plasticmaterial applied over the circumference of the tubular members.

This application or deposition of the layer material is carried outunder elevated temperature, preferably, and for example, in an extruderwhich has a nozzle portion through which a plurality of tubularelements, interconnected, aligned and spaced as hereinbefore described,are sequentially conveyed so as to obtain an overall even and tightadherence of the layer material to the tubular members.

The jacket 21 is continuously applied over the axially aligned tubularmembers 1 and 2, including the transition between the flange portions 8constituted by the enlargement 14.

During deposition of the layer material or jacket 21, a constriction 22is formed therein at the location of the enlargement 14 as a result ofthe constriction formed by the groove 16 in the outer circumference ofthe enlargement.

Also by applying this layer over the circumference of the tubularmembers 1 and 2 and the transition therebetween, two parallel radiallyinwardly extending circumferential beads 23 and 24 are formed in theradially inwardly extending circumferential grooves 17 and 18. Due tothe elevated temperature under which the jacket 21 is applied, thecircumferential beads 23 and 24 are automatically welded to theadjoining portions of the flange portions 8 so as to form an hermeticseal between the plugs 7 and the jacket 21.

During passage of the respective tubular members through the nozzle ofthe extruder in order to be coated with the jacket 21, increase involume of air occurs in the respective tubular members and the interiorsof the plugs 7.

To this end, a pressure-equalizing channel 25 is provided in thealignment and spacing member 13. As shown, this channel 25 extendsaxially through the alignment and spacing member 13 andintercommunicates the respective interiors of the plugs 7.

Expansion of air in the tubular member 1 causes the thin end wall 10 ofthe left-hand plug 7 to bend inwardly in direction of the open end ofthe plug.

This pressure by the expanded air on the end wall 10, in turn causes theair entrapped within the interior of the left-hand plug to flow throughthe channel 25 and into the interior of the right-hand plug.

Consequently, expansion of air in the tubular member 2 causes the thinwall 10 of the right-hand plug to bend inwardly as a result of which theair entrapped within the interior of the plus is caused to flow throughthe channel 25 and into the interior of the left-hand plug.

It will be appreciated, that even though only two tubular members havebeen illustratively and exemplary shown, it lies within the scope of thepresent invention that a great number of tubular elements may beinterconnected, aligned and spaced relative to each other and providedwith an insulating jacket and closure members in the manner ashereinbefore described.

It will further by appreciated that each tubular member is provided atboth ends with plug members as hereinbefore described.

Following deposition of the layer material, the tubular members 1 and 2are disconnected from each other by severing the jacket 21 along a pathdefined in the constriction 22 in the jacket and by subsequent removalof the arms 11 and 12 from their respective plugs 7.

The end product obtained is diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 2.

Shown therein, is the end portion 3 of the tubular member 1 providedwith the plug 7 whose flange portion 8 abuttingly overlies the radialend face 5. Locking the flange portion 8 in the position as shown, isthe circumferential radially inwardly extending bead 23 of the jacket21, which abuts against and is sealed with the adjoining portion of theflange portion 8.

In the manner described, the exterior surface of the tubular member isprotected by the jacket 21 while the interior of the tubular member isprotected against corrosion by the hermetic seal constituted by theflange portion 8 of the plug 7 and the bead 23.

In addition, the end portions of the tubular member have becomeshock-absorbent as a result of the substantially radially inwardlyextending portions 26 of the jacket 21.

FIG. 3 illustratively shows the manner in which the plug 7 may beremoved from the tubular member.

Prior to using the tubular member, for example prior to welding orsoldering of the respective end portions,-

the jacket 21, at the location indicated by the arrow 27, may becircumferentially cut by a mechanical cutting device, such as a knife,saw or the like.

Removal of the end portion 28 of the jacket 21 permits subsequentremoval of the plug 7 from the end portion 3 of the tubular member.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist ofthe present invention that others can by applying current knowledgereadily adapt it for various applications without omitting featuresthat, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essentialcharacteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is:

1. An arrangement of the character described comprising at least twoelongated tubular members having each at least one open end and a radialendface surrounding said open end, said tubular members beingsubstantially aligned with each other along a common axis with the openends spaced from and facing each other; a pair of cup-shaped insertmeans closing said open ends and having annular portions respectivelyoverlying the radial endfaces of said two tubular members and beingaxially spaced from each other; an alignment and spacing member having apair of opposite axially extending portions respectively tightly fittedinto said cup-shaped insert means and a radially extending enlargementbetween said opposite portions and substantially filling the spacebetween said annular portions of said insert means; and jacket meanssurrounding and tightly engaging said tubular members, said annularportions of said insert means and said enlargementof said alignment andspacing member.

2. An arrangement as defined in claim 1, including an outer annularbevel on the annular portion of each insert means and a pair ofcomplementary annular bevels on said radially extending enlargementforming with the bevels on said annular portions a pair of grooves,portions of said jacket means filling said grooves and forming radiallyinwardly extending circumferential beads sealed to said annularportions.

3. An arrangement as defined in claim 2, and including a bore extendingaxially through said alignment and spacing member.

4. An arrangement as defined in claim 1, wherein each of said cup-shapedinsert means has a peripheral wall tightly engaging the inner surface ofthe respective tubular member and an endwall in the tubular memberspaced from the endface thereof.

5. An arrangement as defined in claim 4, wherein the inner surface ofsaid peripheral wall tapers in direction toward said end wall so thatsaid peripheral wall is at least in part tightly compressed between saidinner surface and the respective axial extending portion of thealignment and spacing member.

6. An arrangement as defined in claim 5, wherein said insert means ismade of synthetic plastic material.

7. An arrangement as defined in claim 4, wherein said endwall has a wallthickness substantially smaller than that of the peripheral wall.

8. An arrangement as defined in claim 6, wherein said endwall is curvedin direction away from the annular portion of the insert means.

9. An arrangement as defined in claim 1, wherein the annular portions ofsaid pair of insert means and said enlargement of said alignment andspacing member have substantially equal diameters.

10. An arrangement as defined in claim 1,.wherein said enlargement ofsaid alignment and spacing member is formed with a centralcircumferential groove, and wherein said jacket means extends with aportion thereof into said groove.

1. An arrangement of the character described comprising at least twoelongated tubular members having each at least one open end and a radialendface surrounding said open end, said tubular members beingsubstantially aligned with each other along a common axis with the openends spaced from and facing each other; a pair of cup-shaped insertmeans closing said open ends and having annular portions respectivelyoverlying the radial endfaces of said two tubular members and beingaxially spaced from each other; an alignment and spacing member having apair of opposite axially extending portions respectively tightly fittedinto said cup-shaped insert means and a radially extending enlargementbetween said opposite portions and substantially filling the spacebetween said annular portions of said insert means; and jacket meanssurrounding and tightly engaging said tubular members, said annularportions of said insert means and said enlargement of said alignment andspacing member.
 2. An arrangement as defined in claim 1, including anouter annular bevel on the annular portion of each insert means and apair of complementary annular bevels on said radially extendingenlargement forming with the bevels on said annular portions a pair ofgrooves, portions of said jacket means filling said grooves and formingradially inwardly extending circumferential beads sealed to said annularportions.
 3. An arrangement as defined in claim 2, and including a boreextending axially through said alignment and spacing member.
 4. Anarrangement as defined in claim 1, wherein each of said cup-shapedinsert means has a peripheral wall tightly engaging the inner surface ofthe respective tubular member and an endwall in the tubular memberspaced from the endface thereof.
 5. An arrangement as defined in claim4, wherein the inner surface of said peripheral wall tapers in directiontoward said end wall so that said peripheral wall is at least in parttightly compressed between said inner surface and the respective axialextending portion of the alignment and spacing member.
 6. An arrangementas defined in clAim 5, wherein said insert means is made of syntheticplastic material.
 7. An arrangement as defined in claim 4, wherein saidendwall has a wall thickness substantially smaller than that of theperipheral wall.
 8. An arrangement as defined in claim 6, wherein saidendwall is curved in direction away from the annular portion of theinsert means.
 9. An arrangement as defined in claim 1, wherein theannular portions of said pair of insert means and said enlargement ofsaid alignment and spacing member have substantially equal diameters.10. An arrangement as defined in claim 1, wherein said enlargement ofsaid alignment and spacing member is formed with a centralcircumferential groove, and wherein said jacket means extends with aportion thereof into said groove.